A police officer has been dismissed after sending inappropriate WhatsApp messages to a vulnerable woman he was supposed to protect. The revelations came during an Accelerated Misconduct Hearing held at Greater Manchester Police Headquarters on September 19, 2023.
PC Robert Whitehead used his work phone to send flirtatious messages to the woman, identified as Miss A, after creating her care plan. Miss A had previously been reported missing. Chief Constable Stephen Watson confirmed that Whitehead was aware of her vulnerability but still engaged in inappropriate messaging in November 2022.
The messages later continued on Whitehead’s personal phone, where he instructed Miss A to delete all messages and photos. Feeling threatened, Miss A reported the exchanges to Greater Manchester Police, which led to Whitehead’s suspension.
Whitehead’s lawyer described the messages as “misjudged” but denied any sexual or romantic intent. Despite this, Chief Constable Watson condemned Whitehead’s behaviour as a serious breach of professional standards. He stated, “While some messages might have been about checking on her well-being, many were grossly inappropriate and sexual in nature. Whitehead knew his actions were wrong.”
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) launched an investigation after Greater Manchester Police referred the case. Whitehead, who served in Tameside, has now been placed on the College of Policing Barred List, barring him from ever working in policing again.
Detective Chief Superintendent Michael Allen commented, “Having abused his position by departing from the highest standards of professional behaviour, it is right he was dismissed and barred from policing for life.”
Originally published by UKNIP.
